The president of Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has declared that successful outings by the country’s grapplers at major international competitions will inspire the new generation youths to work harder, Sports247 reports.
Adeniyi stated this while celebrating the Nigerian contingent that excelled at the recent Central African Wrestling Championship in Brazzaville, Congo, where they clinched five gold and one silver in freestyle, beach and women’s categories.
Nigeria’s surge began on the opening day of the championship, when Terry Godfrey won three gold medals in men’s 65kg freestyle, after which Woyinkorikiye Andrew also won gold in women’s 53kg.
Precillia Archbone added to the golden haul in the 45kg, then the spree continued in beach wrestling with two more gold from Woyinkorikiye and Precillia Archbone while Godfrey settled for silver.
Much to Adeniyi’s delight, the delegation concluded their outing with five gold medals and one silver, to place overall third-best below DR Congo and Congo Brazzaville, which finished first and second respectively due to the number of athletes registered.
The NWF president attributed these feats to the federation’s efforts towards accelerating skill development, enhancing competitive readiness for Nigerian wrestlers from the grassroots and exposing them to international tournaments.
Adeniyi, who is also the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, added that the
need for Nigerian wrestlers to quickly adapt to unfamiliar environments is a major factor behind the NWF’s efforts in local talent identification.
He stated further that successful international outings like the recent one would go a long way in motivating emergent talents towards greater achievements on the wrestling mat.
Adeniyi submitted, “Competing against international peers introduces athletes to diverse wrestling styles, tactics, and higher physical demands.
“Success in international tournaments always inspires the next generation of youth to work hard. It also broadens their cultural and social perspectives, provides direct visibility to professional scouts, and establishes clear pathways for future success.
“This is one of our strategies for athlete development. International representation often attracts more public and private funding to local sports infrastructure.”
Sports247 gathered that the NWF president personally sponsored the three wrestlers to the competition in Brazzaville, along with their coach, Kingkuro Oyinbrakemi Tangi, and assistant secretary of the federation, Abigail Ibrahim.
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